Life and death

The first one displays the stages that describe the grief we all feel at the loss of a loved one. (The writer's beloved wife of 32 years died suddenly just under three months ago.) A major part of dealing with such a tremendous loss is recognizing these emotions to let one prevent the deterioration of unresolved grieving as a way of everyday living.

The next one has to do with the happy rite of passage in celebrating one's twenty-first birthday, directed to a well-loved nephew. I hope you will all have enjoyed these offerings this week.

A Poem About Grief

By: Maynard Lee Sisler

A doctor for half a century.

I've often watched my patients meet their death

One breath that chased the vital signs away and,

Disciplined, I grieved for their passing.

"One more losing joust with the Dark Angel."

Then tried to continue my endless rounds.

The morning that my darling passed away

No longer as a staid professional

Was my bellowed cry of "Dear Great God. No!"

Agonizing weeks of anger had their stay

Then came the long nights of depression.

We had known thirty-two years of marriage

With family joys, some grief, lots of fun,

Cruises, trips to Vegas, sorties together.

Often with family or others along

Or just the two of us, managing a home.

Gone, all gone now, and lost are all those years.

My dear Lord alone knows how I grieve.

But I do.

Welcome to Manhood

By Maynard Lee Sisler

Boyhood, childhood, and then pubescence

Led to memorable adolescence

Studies, baseball, young love -- and all the rest

Have led to manhood and you'll be the best

Beloved nephew, closely like a son,

Your cup is full. You're ready for life's run

You've kept your wits about you right along

And learned to choose the right from right or wrong

I'd like to think somehow I showed you how

The old world spins to bring the here and now.

I'd give advice -- be well, and do good work.

Praise your Creator daily -- don't shirk

From praising your good lady every day

Know that your manhood has come now to stay.

Love from Uncle Doc